Car manufacturer Ford has taken the wraps off the next generation of its Explorer SUV slated for release in Europe. The seven-seat off-roader now features a plug-in hybrid system and offers around 40 kilometers (25 miles) of all-electric range.
Customers will be able to choose between two versions, the ST-Line and the Platinum. The former has matte-black roof railings and radiator grille, a squared-off steering wheel, and a faux carbon interior trim. The latter sports glossy grille and railings, as well as natural wood inserts in the cabin.
Both come powered by the same 3.0-liter gasoline engine rated at 350 hp (261 kW), assisted by an electric motor that produces 100 hp (75 kW) of its own. The traction battery amounts to 13.1 kWh. The resulting performance of the drivetrain, which links to a ten-speed automatic transmission, is manufacturer-estimated at 450 hp (336 kW) and 840 Nm (620 lbft) of torque.
The Ford Explorer hybrid consumes only 3.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers traveled. This translates into an impressive 83 miles per gallon in the UK, or 69 MPG in the USA. You may charge its battery using a regular wall socket, but the manufacturer does not reveal just how long it would take.
The car ships with a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, an all-around camera view system, traffic sign and pedestrian recognition, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency brake, lane control, and obstacle avoidance assist.
The European Ford Explorer additionally features a 4G/LTE/Wi-Fi hotspot supporting up to 10 simultaneous connections, a SYNC 3 multimedia system with a giant touchscreen display, a 14-speaker sound system, and more.
Sales begin later this year.
Photos: Ford